iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday will vote on upgrading the Palestinian Authority's status to a "non-member observer state."

With 132 of the 193 U.N. member countries having already recognized the state of Palestine, the measure is likely to pass, despite opposition from the U.S. and Israel.

Recognition as a state may give Palestine more pull in discussing border issues with Israel. It will also give it the right to join U.N. agencies and the International Criminal Court, which would theoretically allow Palestine to bring cases against Israel.

The U.S. has repeatedly called on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to abandon the bid. The U.S., along with Israel, argue that the vote is purely symbolic, that it will change nothing on the ground, and that it will be detrimental to peace talks. The vote could also affect U.S. funding.